Chocolate Covered Banana Smoothie

This has become my new favorite and my morning go-to! It’s high in fiber and iron and has ZERO cholesterol. And of course, it always taste better in your favorite insulated cup! Part of why I love this smoothie so much is not only because it’s delicious, but because the sweetness of the dates and cocoa satisfy my sweet tooth so I never have a craving to snack mid-morning. Also, the banana, hemp hearts and greens are filling so I’m not crashing with hunger right at noon. And when I start my day with this smoothie, I have zero brain-fog! Need any more reasons to give this a try? Read on…

Hemp hearts have become my new favorite thing and I’m looking forward to experimenting more with them! They are easily absorbed into the body’s system and are hypoallergenic. They contain omega-6 which can reduce inflammation and they may help people suffering from eczema, arthritis and muscle pain. They also support healthy hair, nails and skin. And that’s just the benefits of the hemp hearts! Check out what the rest of this smoothie has to offer!

I’m also new to dates. I have a weird thing with dried fruits… raisins, prunes, etc. I think it’s a texture thing. I’m not sure but I just can’t eat them. But after ready about putting them into smoothies, I was curious, gave them a try and now I am hooked! Dates contain three powerful antioxidants… Flavanoids which help reduce inflammation and can help reduce the risk of diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and certain types of cancer. Carotenoids which promote heart health and Phenolic acid which can help lower the risk of heart disease.

Almond butter is a good source of the healthy monounsaturated fats our bodies need. These fats are associated with lowering the risk of heart disease and offers antioxidant action from Vitamin E and helps lower cholesterol.

Bananas… another confession. I’ve NEVER liked them and I would never grab one and eat one. But I know how healthy they are and love them in this smoothie because the banana flavor is very mild. Bananas can help moderate blood sugar levels after meals and can reduce appetite by slowing stomach emptying. Bananas are contain fiber and resistant to starch, feeds your friendly gut bacteria, and we all know a healthy gut is uber important! Did you know that eating a banana several times a week may reduce your risk of kidney disease by up to 50%?

The calcium in spinach can help strengthen your bones and vitamins A and C, fiber, folic acid, and other nutrients fight against colon and breast cancers. Spinach also helps to lower damaging protein levels in the blood and can protect against high blood pressure and heart disease.

Kale is very high in nutrients and very low in calories, making it one of the most nutrient-dense foods out there. It’s super high in Vitamin C and a great source of Vitamin K, an important vitamin that is involved in blood clotting.

I promise that no one will complain that it’s healthy because it takes like a chocolate milkshake… smooth, creamy and decadent! Now it’s probably taken you more time to read the benefits of this smoothie than it takes to make it so grab your blender and get to it!

Chocolate Covered Banana Smoothie
Serves 1

1 cup water
2 tablespoons hemp hearts
5 dates, pitted
1/2 banana
1 tablespoon almond butter
1-1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 cups loosely packed spinach & kale salad greens
6 ice cubs

1. Add the water, hemp hearts, dates, banana, almond butter, cocoa powder, spinach and kale to the Deluxe Cooking Blender. Secure the Lid, then turn the wheel to the Smoothie setting and press START.
2. When the timer beeps, press CANCEL. Remove the Lid, add the ice and re-secure the Lid. Turn the wheel to the Smoothie setting and press START.

Enjoy!

SHOP MY KITCHEN!

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